OK, I know that the Dana 35 is not known for it's durability when wheeling. I crunched one in my XJ in Wellsville, OH on the side of a hill. It was fun getting it off the trail and back to camp...LOL. OK now I have a 95 YJ with 33in tires and 4in lift. I have some limited funds so I don't know what will be the best way to NOT get stuck on the trail. I have been looking at the Super 35 kits, the Super 35 Truss, and the possibility of a swap to a Dana 44 or something else. Now as I said I have limited funds. What will be the best first step. I was leaning toward the Axel truss, but if there is an easy swap I'd rather go with that. Is there I direct swap available? And if so what should I be looking for( ie. make, model, year of donor vehicle) Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jake  

The least expensive way to make your D35 survive longer is to not run tires bigger than 31x10.50.

Next would be to stay on the fire roads and off the rocks and ruts. It is the hop that will kill the D35.

Some MJs (metric ton) have a rear D44 that goes right in, but they are very rare and if you found one would probably cost you more than it's worth. Some XJs had a D44 but they are also rare and they are spring over not under.

There are lots of other options, but none are bolt in. Very popular is Ford 8.8 and Wagoneer. Either can be had for less than $500, but requires mounts and welding.  

when you say some MJs have a 44 thats goes right in, does that mean that it is a spring under. i dont really know, but i thought that they would be spring over like the xj.  

Yup, they be under, but they are truly rare. My guess, any available have already been trans planted. There are even some Canadian YJs that had a D44, but I'm sure equally as rare. I have not heard of anyone finding one for years, and they seem to be way over priced when found.  

The Wagoneer swap is usually front and rear D44s and have 5x5.5 lugs. The Ford 8.8 from an Explorer has 5x4.5, same as the YJ, so it is better suited for rear only.  

i had a 1987 grand shagoneer with 44's i believe, it had 6 bolt hubs. i ended up scrapping it over a year ago due to a necessary move for our shop. i have been learning more about axle swaps and regret getting rid of it. it was a driver side front diff. i think i could fab it now but lacked the skills then. im trying to figure the most cost effective swap. im poor but have a lot of tools at my disposal. i got stock 30 and 35 axles with 3.07s. i at least need lower gears. 4cyl axles have 4.10s and would be a cheap way to get gears but i am now concerned about strength after been to my first Jeepfest event and standing on the sidelines and watch other jeeps do some insane stuff.  its not my thread here but im sure others could learn from some of this bantering.  

Yes, all the Wagoneers are 6 lug, that's a typo on my part.